School systems and educational concepts
Not every primary school teaches in the same way. This page gives you one clear overview of the best-known educational concepts and what to look for when comparing them.
Common school systems
Use this overview as a starting point and then jump straight to schools that use the concept you want to explore.
Montessori school
Follow the child and stimulate intrinsic motivation
Montessori education is based on the pedagogy of Maria Montessori. Children learn at their own pace, choose their own activities, and work with specially designed materials. The teacher observes and guides. Traditional grades are uncommon and progress is usually visible through portfolios.
Key characteristics
- Children learn at their own pace
- Strong development of independence and self-reliance
- Intrinsic motivation is central
- Concrete learning through materials
Points to consider
- Requires a lot of self-regulation from the child
- Less suitable for children who need a lot of structure
- Transitioning to traditional secondary education can take adjustment
Dalton school
Freedom, responsibility, and collaboration
Dalton education revolves around three core values: freedom, responsibility, and collaboration. Pupils plan their own work through daily and weekly tasks, consult with classmates, and learn how to make choices. The teacher acts as a coach.
Key characteristics
- Teaches planning and independent work
- Strong on collaboration and communication
- Structured freedom: not too open, not too rigid
- Works well for children who respond to responsibility
Points to consider
- Requires self-organization, which does not come naturally to every child
- Quality varies by school and teacher
Jenaplan school
Community, rhythm, diversity, and world orientation
Jenaplan education is based on the pedagogy of Peter Petersen. It centers around four activities: dialogue, play, work, and celebration. Pupils learn in mixed-age groups. The school is seen as a living community, not just a place of instruction.
Key characteristics
- Strong emphasis on community
- World orientation as an integrated subject area
- Celebrations and rhythm create stability
- Mixed ages encourage empathy and collaboration
Points to consider
- Individual performance is less measurable
- Requires openness to an alternative learning approach
Waldorf school
Head, heart, and hands for holistic development
Waldorf education is based on the anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner. The curriculum follows the developmental phases of the child. Artistic subjects, craftsmanship, and imagination play a large role. There are no grades in the early years and there is a strong emphasis on inner motivation and social awareness.
Key characteristics
- Holistic development of head, heart, and hands
- Rich artistic and practical education
- Less performance pressure in the lower years
- Strong class community
Points to consider
- Its anthroposophical background is not for everyone
- Transitioning to mainstream secondary education can be difficult
- Less emphasis on formal testing
Democratic school
Children shape their learning with maximum freedom
In a democratic school, children have substantial influence over their learning process and the school rules. Pupils vote on many aspects of school life, from daily structure to shared agreements. Intrinsic motivation is central.
Key characteristics
- A lot of room for autonomy and ownership
- Strong focus on intrinsic motivation
- Practice in democratic citizenship
- Can work well for highly self-directed children
Points to consider
- Less suitable for children who need a lot of external structure
- Can feel very open compared with regular education
- Available at only a limited number of schools
Regular education
Clear structure, proven approach
A traditional school offers a structured learning environment with teacher-led instruction. The teacher guides the learning process. There is a fixed daily rhythm, clear rules, and regular testing. Subjects are taught separately and performance is assessed objectively.
Key characteristics
- Clear structure and predictability
- Strong focus on core skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic
- Objective and measurable performance assessment
- Widely available across the Netherlands
Points to consider
- Less room for individual pace
- More limited focus on creative thinking
- A competitive climate can create pressure
Frequently asked questions
Still deciding between multiple educational concepts? These questions help make the differences clearer.
No. A school system mainly describes how teaching and guidance are organized. Schools within the same concept can still differ a lot in quality, culture, and day-to-day practice.
Not necessarily. Focus first on what your child needs in everyday school life. Structure, emotional safety, and a good connection with the school often matter more than the label alone.
Yes. Every card links directly to the school overview with the selected concept already applied as a filter.
Want to compare more than just the concept?
Then explore real schools in your area and see which environment genuinely suits your child.